The Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP) was formed by the USSR Academy of Sciences on February 15, 1963, with a view to realize an efficient combination and interaction between fundamental research in condensed matter physics and materials science. The decisive contribution regarding the objectives and principles of organization of ISSP was made by the prominent physical metallurgist Academician Georgii V.Kurdyumov, Academician Yury A.Ossipyan and Corresponding Member of the USSR Ac. Sci. Cheslav V.Kopetsky.